This guide has everything you need to know about the Dark Winter color palette—also called Deep Winter—including colors, prints, combinations, makeup tips, and more.

Before we begin: if you’re not sure about your season yet, you can get your personal color analysis here. Simply upload the requested images, and a color expert will analyze them and deliver a complete report within 72 hours.

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1. Features – Dark & Cool

You’re a Dark Winter if your overall look leans towards darker shades with cool undertones. Cooler colors naturally bring out your best features compared to warmer tones.

When you look in the mirror, your dark hair and eyes are likely the first things you notice.

Your skin can range from very light to deep, but your features always have noticeable contrast.

The bright whites of your eyes and teeth pop against your darker features, creating a striking and bold appearance.

1.1 Eyes

Your eyes are dark and captivating, often with a distinct border around the iris. Some people notice subtle “spokes” within the iris, adding to their depth and clarity.

1.2 Hair

Dark Winter hair is typically dark and rich, leaning towards neutral or slightly ashy tones. It rarely develops highlights, even after exposure to sunlight, which helps maintain its deep and even coloring.

1.3 Skin

Your skin tone is neutral to neutral-cool, meaning both gold and silver can suit you. However, silver is often the more flattering choice. 

Your skin contrasts beautifully with your dark hair and eyes, enhancing your overall sharp and defined look.

In the case of Lana Parrilla, her skin is fair with neutral cool undertones.

1.4 Contrast

Dark Winter is all about contrast.

Whether your skin is light or dark, the sharp differences between your hair, eyes, and skin create a dynamic and memorable appearance.

The whites of your eyes and teeth stand out vividly, adding to your striking look.

In the images above, you can observe a significant disparity in shades among the features. The hair and eyes exhibit a deep darkness, while the skin, in contrast, appears light.

2. Color dimensions

The Dark Winter palette is rich with cool, dark tones that lean towards blue rather than yellow. Even the warmer shades in this palette have a cool undertone, making them harmonize perfectly with your coloring.

You’ll find lots of deep blues, greys, and other darker hues that emphasize the high contrast typical of Dark Winter.

The colors are saturated and vibrant, leaning more towards darkness than brightness.

3. Color Palette

The Dark Winter palette captures the magic of deep winter nights. Think of stars shining against a dark blue sky or the mysterious glow of the moon over shadowy forests. These colors are dark, cool, and full of depth.

3.1 Best Colors

Your best colors include:

• Black, a staple dark neutral that creates striking contrasts.

• Deep blues and greens for alternative dark neutrals.

• Light greys and beiges for subtle accents.

Black is part of the Winter palette and can be used as a dark neutral, especially for those with light skin and high contrast against their hair and eyes.

Those with darker skin should use black more sparingly and can opt for dark blues and dark greens as dark neutrals.

Pure white is also part of your palette, but it looks best when paired with darker colors to maintain contrast.

3.2 Worst Colors

Avoid light and warm colors like golden oranges, yellows, or earthy browns. These tones can make your features look less vibrant. 

Similarly, pastel or desaturated colors may clash with your bold appearance. Stick to icy or saturated tones from your palette for the best results.

If you want to be sure you always choose your Dark Winter colors, you can check out the Color Palette + Makeup Palette Pack. It’s an easy and reliable way to verify if clothes or makeup products align with your color palette.

4. Metals & Accessories

Dark Winter’s neutral-cool palette pairs beautifully with metals like silver and pewter. Darker, less yellow variations of gold can also work well.

Both shiny and matte finishes can complement your look, giving you flexibility in your choice of accessories.

For gemstones, rich hues like ruby, sapphire, amethyst, and violet stones enhance your bold and cool coloring perfectly.

5. Color Combinations

The best color combinations for Dark Winter mimic your natural high contrast. Pair a light neutral like light grey with a dark accent, such as deep purple. Black and white is another classic combination that looks stunning on you.

For a balanced look, mix dark neutrals with bold accent colors to create depth and vibrancy. These combinations echo the striking contrast in your features, making them especially flattering.

6. Prints

6.1 Colors

Choose patterns that feature only Dark Winter colors. A small amount of disharmonious color is fine, but too much can clash with your palette.

6.2 Contrast

Your natural high contrast means bold patterns with distinct lines and sharp differences between colors look best. Avoid soft, faded designs like watercolor prints.

6.3 Pattern arrangements

Geometric shapes, abstract designs, and stylized versions of natural elements suit you well.

Stay away from dense floral patterns or anything overly blended. Instead, opt for bold and structured prints that reflect your striking features.

7. Makeup

7.1 Foundation & concealer

Choose foundations with a smooth and silky texture.

Avoid yellow-based tones that clash with your cool undertones. A neutral or cool-toned foundation enhances your natural beauty and keeps your look polished.

7.2 Bronzer & contouring

Bronzer isn’t ideal for Dark Winters as it can look unnatural. Instead, use a light highlighter to add dimension, but keep it subtle for a more harmonious effect.

7.3 Blush Palette

Your blush shades depend on your skin tone. Lighter skin tones look great with soft pinks, while deeper reds complement darker skin.

Avoid peachy or yellow-based blushes, as they don’t suit your cool undertones.

7.4 Lipstick

Dark Winters shine with bold lip colors like deep reds and purples.

Avoid nude shades or overly warm tones like orange, which can dull your complexion.

Embrace intense, saturated shades that enhance your bold features.

8. Eye makeup

8.1 Eyeshadows

Neutral eyeshadow shades like taupe and grey are versatile and flattering. For accents, try purples, blues, or greenish greys.

Choose eyeshadows with a subtle shine and avoid overly matte or glittery finishes.

8.2 Mascara

Black mascara is your best option, adding depth and drama to your look. Cool dark grey can also work for a softer appearance.

Avoid warm brown mascaras as they clash with your cool undertones.

8.3 Eyeliner

Eyeliner colors include black, dark greys, and deep blues or greens. Choosing a color that matches your eyes can enhance their natural beauty.

Avoid overly light or warm eyeliner shades to maintain harmony with your palette.

Written by Alexandra Stan